Clay, KY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
996
-10.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$61,250/yr
39.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
507
-4.2% year-over-year change

Clay population

How many people live in Clay

Clay is home to 996 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.9% of Clay locals are male, and 53.1% are female.

Total population
996
-10.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.9%
467
Female
53.1%
529
Value Percent YoY change
Male 467 46.9% -18.5%
Female 529 53.1% -1.9%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Clay is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.7% are children under 15, then 22.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 21.7% of the population, while another 25.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 13.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
36
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.7%
15 to 24
22.7%
25 to 44
21.7%
45 to 64
25.8%
Over 65
13.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 166 16.7% -18.2%
15 to 24 226 22.7% -17.5%
25 to 44 216 21.7% -16.3%
45 to 64 257 25.8% 0.8%
Over 65 131 13.2% 7.4%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Clay, 98.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 0.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.2%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 984 98.8% -10.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 12 1.2% 50.0%
Racial breakdown
White
95.8%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
2.6%
Two or more races
0.6%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 954 95.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 10 1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 26 2.6%
Two or more races 6 0.6%

Households in Clay

A peek inside Clay households

Clay has 413 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 60.8% are families, while the remaining 39.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
413
-4.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
162
Family households
251
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 162 39.2% 1.2%
Family households 251 60.8% -7.4%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Clay

The housing landscape of Clay

Clay's housing consists of 507 units, with 84.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.6% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 8.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
507
-4.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 430 84.8%
1 unit, attached 3 0.6%
5 to 9 units 26 5.1%
20 to 49 units 3 0.6%
Mobile home 45 8.9%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Clay

In Clay, the median construction year is 1966. About 9.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 9.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 48 9.5% -20.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 49 9.7% 22.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 106 20.9% -10.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 89 17.6% -12.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 59 11.6% 28.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 79 15.6% 11.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 50 9.9% 25.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 6 1.2% -76.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 21 4.1% -22.2%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Clay occupancy rates

Out of the 413 occupied housing units in Clay, 66.3% are owner-occupied, while 33.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 18.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
413
-4.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
139
Owner occupied
274
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 139 33.7% -10.3%
Owner occupied 274 66.3% -0.7%
Unoccupied housing units
18.5%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Clay housing costs

Housing costs in Clay come to a median of $734 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $772.

Median housing costs per month
$734/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Clay
$772/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Clay

Clay education at a glance

About 53.8% of the population in Clay went to high school, while 15.7% pursued college studies. Another 10.6% earned an associate degree and 6.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 35 4.5% 16.7%
High school diploma 422 53.8% -12.3%
College diploma 123 15.7% -0.8%
Associate degree 83 10.6% -19.4%
Bachelor's degree 48 6.1% -4.0%
Graduate degree 74 9.4% -5.1%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Clay

How much people earn in Clay

The average annual household income in Clay was $71,215 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +12.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $61,250, reflecting a +39.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Clay
$71,215/year
12.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Clay
$61,250/year
39.6% year-over-year change

Clay income by age

In Clay, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $67,000. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $74,375 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $70,000, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $25,536 in earnings. Overall, 90% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $70,000 19.7%
25 - 44 $67,000 50.3%
45 - 64 $74,375 9.5%
Over 65 $25,536 8.5%
Above poverty level
869
Below poverty level
96
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 869 90% -6.6%
Below poverty level 96 10% -36.8%

Average renter income in Clay

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Clay, their median household income was $38,824 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 23.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$38,824
Rent-to-income ratio
23.9%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Clay

Workforce and job types in Clay

The job market in Clay is powered by 514 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 58.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 41.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9% run their own businesses, 71.6% are employed by private companies, and 13.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
514
-5.3% year-over-year change
White collar
301
Blue collar
213
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 301 58.6% -6.8%
Blue collar 213 41.4% -3.2%
Employer type
Self employees
9%
Private companies
71.6%
Governmental workers
13.6%
Not for profit companies
5.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 46 9% -6.1%
Private companies 368 71.6% -6.4%
Governmental workers 70 13.6% -9.1%
Not for profit companies 30 5.8% 25.0%
Unemployment rate
3.8%
-60.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Clay stands at 3.8%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Clay

How people get around in Clay

Commuting methods vary: 93.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.9% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 437 93.8% -7.6%
Walk 4 0.9% N/A
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Clay by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
42404 2,109 892 $61,293 $73,792

Explore more communities

FAQs about Clay demographics 

What is the total population of Clay?

Clay has a total population of 996 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -10.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Clay?

The gender ratio in Clay is as follows:
  • 46.9% males (467 residents)
  • 53.1% females (529 residents)

What is the median age in Clay?

The median age in Clay is 36.

What is the age distribution of the population in Clay?

The age distribution in Clay is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.7% (166 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 22.7% (226 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 21.7% (216 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.8% (257 residents)
  • Over 65: 13.2% (131 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Clay?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Clay is as follows:
  • White: 95.8% (954 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1% (10 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 2.6% (26 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 0.6% (6 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

What percentage of the population in Clay are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.8% of the population in Clay.

How many housing units are there in Clay?

There are 507 housing units in Clay, reflecting a -4.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Clay and what is the average household size?

Clay has a total of 413 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Clay?

Clay has a median household income of $61,250, representing a +39.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Clay?

The employment rate is 96.2% in Clay, with a workforce of 514 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 58.6% (301 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 41.4% (213 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9% (46 residents)
  • Private companies: 71.6% (368 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.6% (70 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.8% (30 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025